Nvidia has officially launched its Project Shield in the US and the portable gaming device is slated to go up for pre-order on May 20 for under $350. Its release date has been set for June and those who had signed up to be notified about its availability can go ahead and reserve the portable console from today itself.
The Nvidia Shield features a console-grade controller which is accompanied by a 5-inch retinal multi-touch display capable of rendering high-fidelity HD visuals in 1280 x 720p resolution. Its pixel density stands at 294ppi. In order to ensure an enhanced gaming experience on the go, the company has blessed this particular gadget with the Tegra 4 quad core mobile processor and 2GB of RAM. Its integrated GeForce GTX GPU shoulders the responsibility of bringing enhanced graphics to the table.
As it takes advantage of the Android Jelly Bean platform, users can easily download compatible apps through the Google Play store and enjoy them on this device which is specifically meant for gamers. Its 16GB of internal flash memory can be utilized for hoarding quite a few Android games and players have the option of inserting a microSD card in the dedicated slot.
The gadget with a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer, is fitted with stereo speakers and has a microphone to go with it. Even though it is a full-fledged Android gaming device, it weighs merely 579 grams and comes packed in a chassis measuring 158 x 135 x 57 millimeters. It is driven by a 28.8Wh battery that should keep it powered up for a long gaming session.
This piece of hardware has been embedded with a mini HDMI connector, a micro USB port as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. Apart from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, it has GPS for navigation purposes and arrives pre-loaded with Hulu Plus, TwitchTV and TegraZone amongst some other services.
The Shield will be available for purchase in the US through online retailers like Newegg, GameStop, Micro Center and more for a price of $349, next month.
Key specifications of the portable console:
– 5-inch retinal multi-touch display
– Resolution: 1280 x 720p
– Tegra 4 quad core mobile processor
– GeForce GTX GPU
– 2GB of RAM
– 16GB onboard memory, expandable using microSD card
– 28.8Wh battery